Home improvement giant Kingfisher (KGF) gains 5.5% at 428.9p as full-year figuresshow better-than-expected pre-tax profits, up 4.1% to £744 million. Raising the full-year dividend 4.7% to 9.9p, the B&Q DIY chain owner will return an extra £200 million to shareholders this year as part of a 'multi-year' programme of extra capital returns. There's also the sale of its stake in German DIY retailer Hornbach for £195 million and plans to seek a strategic partner for China.
Luton-based budget carrier EasyJet (EZJ) rises 5.6% to £17.24 after a pre-close trading statement reveals both capacity growth and revenue per seat have risen in the six months to 31 March. The mid-point guidance for pre-tax losses has been cut from £80 million to £60 million. Investec upgrades its rating from 'hold' to 'buy'.
Mobile money network Monitise (MONI:AIM) pulls off a £109 million placingaimed at funding future growth and switching to a subscriptions revenue model. Priced at 68p, the mere 1% discount to yesterday's 68.75p close appeals to investors which bid up the shares 3.6% to 71.25p.
Better than expected full-year results and a special dividend help put a shine on online gambling provider 888 (888), up 5.2% to 142p. The FTSE 250 constituent says the new financial year has started well, achieving 8% growth in average daily revenue year-on-year. Read our recent interview with the company here.
Troubled non-life insurer RSA (RSA) rises 1.2% to 94.5p on launching its three-for-eight £748 million rights issue. The cash will strengthen its balance sheet after a fraud was uncovered in its Irish business.
Topps Tiles (TPT) rises 3.4% to 141.88p on a well-received pre-close trading updateshowing a strong start to the financial year has been sustained in its second quarter. The tile and wood flooring specialist says first-half like-for-like sales grew 10% and expects to report dramatically-improved pre-tax profits of £8 million (2013: £4.7 million).
Soft drinks group A.G. Barr (BAG) fizzes up 2.3% to 595.25p on better-than-expected full-year figures. Pre-tax profits grew 9.6% to £38.1 million as core brands Rockstar, Rubicon, Barr and IRN-BRU outperformed the market.
Building supplies specialist Travis Perkins (TPK) jumps 3.3% to £18.62 after a bullish research note from Citigroup.
Investors take profits in small cap housebuilder Mar City (MAR:AIM) despite impressive full-year results. The Midlands-based company enjoyed a 229% rise in pre-tax profit to £3.2 million. The shares dip 3.4% to 140.5p. Here's our latest view on the stock.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM:AIM) jumps 9.1% to 7.5p after a new study on its nickel project in Brazil has improved economics and lower cost of construction.
It's time to bid farewell to Girl With The Dragon Tattoo book publisher Quercus Publishing (QUPP:ISDX) as a listed entity. Having put itself up for sale in January after a difficult period of trading, today sees a recommended takeover offer from Hodder & Stoughton. The 60p cash per share bid is at a 144.9% premium to last night's market close, yet still way off the 150p levels at which Quercus traded in 2010.
Virtually-waterless washing machine maker Xeros Technology (XSG:AIM) dips 0.5p to 122.5p on its first day of dealings. The company has raised £27.6 million for its admission to AIM to fund growth in the commercial laundry market. Here's our view on the investment case, as recently published in Shares.
Biotech Venture Life has raised £5.4 million ahead of joining the stockmarket on Friday (28 Mar). Set to be valued at £26.4 million, Venture will use part of the proceeds to buy Italian developer Biokosmes.
Casino gaming technology platform supplier Quixant (QXT:AIM) issues a robust set of full-year results. The shares have soared since its IPOat 46p last May, with rising revenues and pre-tax profits today pushing the shares 2.5p higher to 146p.
Oil services minnow KBC Advanced Technologies (KBC:AIM) gains 2.4% to 120.6p as it reinstatesthe dividend and announces a 92% year-on-year increase in 2013 profits to £7.1 million. The group, which provides consultancy services and software to the industry, reports a slight fall in the order book from £82.9 million to £78.2 million but says: '2014 has started well and, together with the substantial changes made in 2013, we are confident that the group is well placed to continue to deliver growth in 2014 and beyond.'
